Newest S'side Planning Commission member ready to hit ground running

When you ask Stephen Maltos why he has spent the last six years of his life volunteering time on Sunnyside advisory boards, the answer is simple, "...because I like to have a voice in what direction our city is going."

Maltos, who works as a technician at Les Schwab Tires in Sunnyside, has served on the Sunnyside Recreation Commission for the past six years. He was recently appointed by Mayor Ed Prilucik to the Sunnyside Planning Commission.

Maltos said the mayor approached him and let the life-long Sunnyside resident know that there were openings on the Board of Adjustment and the Planning Commission, if he was interested in making the move from the Recreation Commission.

It didn't take Maltos long to decide that he wanted to serve on the Planning Commission.

"I want to see what kind of improvements the city is looking for in the future," Maltos said. "I want to be a part of that."

Maltos, who is married with three children, said he is coming onto the Planning Commission with no preconceived notions or plans.

"I'm just open to anything that comes up," Maltos said, adding that he is looking forward to providing his input on whatever does come before the commission.

Although Maltos was just recently appointed to the planning commission, he has already attended his first meeting. Maltos said during the meeting the commission reviewed the city's transportation improvement plan.

"It was very interesting to be a part of that," Maltos said.

Maltos will officially be sworn in as a member of the Sunnyside Planning Commission on Aug. 3, and he is already preparing for his next meeting on Aug. 10.

Maltos said he is looking forward to working with the other members of the commission, noting that they were all very welcoming to him. He added that he thinks once he's sworn in he'll be ready to hit the ground running.